For a business owner, obtaining the right information is as important as finding the right location, or getting the best price.
The Small Business Development Center in New York is one of only a few SBDCs in the U.S. with a full-time library (which we call the Research Network). Its services are available for free, but only to New York SBDC clients.

Margaret Murphy

Integrated Aquatic Sciences, LLC, was formed in 2015 to provide comprehensive aquatic consulting services to clients in both the public and private sector. Services include fish community evaluations and fisheries management, water quality monitoring, habitat restoration and management. The company provides a cost-effective scientific approach that works within the natural environment.

Principal scientist and owner, Margaret H. Murphy, Ph.D. is a Certified Fisheries Professional through the American Fisheries Society with more than 20 years of experience in the field. Margaret consulted the SBDC for assistance in starting her business and to gain a better understanding of the WBE and WOSB certification process. She also wanted information on regulations for drone operations in New York State. SBDC Advisor Angela Smith reviewed start-up steps with Margaret and explained the eligibility criteria and process to complete NYS WBE and WOSB certifications. The advisor also registered the client on BidLinx. The Research Network provided information on current state legislation regarding the use of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Within a matter of weeks, Margaret’s new consulting company, Integrated Aquatic Sciences, LLC, was up and running. “Angela’s cheery, calm demeanor made the startup process less daunting,” says Margaret. “I was thankful to have such a great resource readily available. The SBDC definitely made the process much easier.” Some recent projects include habitat restoration of the Ladies Mile Section of the East Branch of the Ausable River and assessment of wild brook trout production in Upper Ausable Lake.

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Retailers have been racing to crack the personalization code for some time.

For most, personalization is a key to success. In fact, more than nine in 10 US retailers surveyed by RIS News said personalization capabilities are at least somewhat important to their company's business goals. And 39% of respondents said personalization was extremely important.

Many respondents employ personalization in hopes of increasing sales, improving overall loyalty, and of course, making sure customer engagement levels are high. Improving these capabilities, however, isn’t always an easy task for retailers.

It’s important for retailers to get personalization right because the price of personalization failure is costly.

Monday, January 29, 2018

Because whether you are a software startup or have a taco truck, ethics failures can hurt the bottom line, writes Shanté Roddy, CEO of Intuitive Risk Management International.

“Ethically treating employees, good relationships with the public, and correct information shared with stakeholders are all responsibilities of the top leadership and have a direct impact on the overall growth of the company,” Roddy writes.

Business owners have to sweat the small decisions, because, as Aileron puts it, “business ethics issues always start small.”

Sunday, January 28, 2018

The U.S. Small Business Administration will present a six-part, free webinar series to help small businesses navigate its Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Zone Program that will run from February to mid-March.

The hour-long webinars will cover the following topics:

February 7

HUBZone Contracting: Make the Federal Government Your Customer

2-3p.m. EST

Small businesses will learn about HUBZone contracting vehicles and regulations.

HUBZone Joint Ventures: How to Partner with Other Companies for HUBZone Contracts

2-3p.m. EST

Small businesses will learn how to enter into a HUBZone joint venture and the importance of having a well-defined joint venture agreement whether or not the agreement falls under the All Small Mentor-Protégé Program.

Small businesses will learn who to count as an employee for the purpose of the HUBZone Program. The webinar will also help small business owners understand when to combine the employees from their other businesses to evaluate the principal and employee residency compliance of the HUBZone firm.

Friday, January 26, 2018

Would consumers rather lose their phones or their wallets? KPMG surveyed 10,000 adults in China, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and asked that very question.

Some 42% of consumers in India, 36% of consumers in China, 35% of consumers in the US, and 21% of consumers in the UK say they feel a strong sense of anxiety if they leave their mobile phone at home when they go out.

While the SBA oversees almost all small business concerns related to federal procurements, including the SDVOSB program, the VA has had its own veteran-owned business certification program, called the Vets First Verification Program. Arising out of the Veterans Benefits, Health Care and Information Technology Act of 2006 (PL 109-461), this program granted the VA with unique authorization to certify businesses as VOSBs and SDVOSBs as well as set-aside and issues sole source contracts to these entities for VA-specific procurements.

This was a program wholly independent of the SBA’s SDVOSB set-aside program, which covers agencies outside the VA for procurements. Traditionally, in contrast to the organized, detailed certification program that the VA has, in which it affirmatively certifies entities as VOSBs, the SBA’s SDVOSB program is a self-certifying program. Businesses would self-certify as being Service Disabled Veteran Owned (and Small) for reasons of pursuing contracts outside the VA. This remains, but now the VA is “transferring” some of its oversight to the SBA.

Joe & Kelly Blazosky

Adirondack Barrel Cooperage, LLC, owned and operated by Joseph & Kelly Blazosky in Remsen, is one of only three cooperages in New York State. The work of a cooperage is the ancient art and craft of making barrels used by wineries and distilleries. At ABC, they artfully blend the precision of high tech European woodworking equipment with skillful hand-craftsmanship to build premium quality White Oak barrels. Adirondack Barrel Cooperage uses revolutionary charring and toasting technology. Extreme accuracy of temperature control allows for low temp toasting, releasing desirable flavor notes unique to each customer needs. Temperature profiles are stored for individual barrels and batches for data analysis, quality control and consistency.

Through extensive market research, Kelly and Joe identified an opportunity to serve the fast growing niche of craft breweries, wineries and distilleries in New York State and surrounding areas. By surveying the industries, they quickly realized the support they would have from future customers for this business. The Blazoskys worked with SBDC Business Advisor David Lerman on project costs and projections and a business plan. With the assistance of both the Mohawk Valley SBDC and Mohawk Valley EDGE and banking partners, ABC was able to overcome the hurdles of funding the project, getting custom equipment from Europe and successfully opening for business. ABC had a grand opening and ribbon cutting in May 2016 and is continuing to grow and meet its projections. “We wouldn’t be here today without the help of the SBDC,” says Kelly.

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Despite the continued strength of the US economy, shoppers remain focused on prices, and that focus drives decisions about whether to shop online or in-store.

According to a recent survey, nearly six in 10 US shoppers say they prefer to shop online instead of in-store because of several factors, one being price transparency.

The study from e-commerce and supply chain solution provider Arvato, which surveyed 2,000 US adults in October 2017, revealed that 61% of respondents said it was easier to compare prices online vs. in-store—even when they were already shopping at a physical location.

What’s more, roughly one in five (19%) respondents said they would abandon an in-store purchase if they found a lower-priced product while webrooming via their mobile device.

But while price may be a big motivator for why consumers choose to shop online, it can also contribute to abandoned carts. Nearly a quarter (24%) of shoppers surveyed said they would abandon an online order if they thought they could save money by purchasing it in-store.

Monday, January 22, 2018

From U.S. Citizenship and Immigration ServicesFederal contractors and subcontractors with the E-Verify Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requirement must enroll in and use E-Verify. Beginning January 5, new federal contractors and subcontractors with a FAR requirement must provide their Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) during the E-Verify enrollment process. Existing E-Verify employers designated as federal contractors with a FAR requirement do not have to provide their DUNS number, but will be prompted to enter it in E-Verify when they update their company profile. To learn more about enrolling in E-Verify, use the E-Verify enrollment checklist and view the enrollment video.

Subscribe to the mailing list and follow @EVerify for the latest employment eligibility verification news.

Friday, January 19, 2018

As a small business owner, you have a lot on your mind. You can’t afford to lose time or money to scammers or a compromised network. We can help you avoid scams, protect your computers and networks, keep your customers’ data safe – and protect your bottom line. You also can find out what the FTC is doing to protect small businesses. Stay connected by subscribing to the FTC’s Business Blog.

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Returns are a big thing for consumers. So much so that many avoid shopping at retailers that have strict return policies in place.

In fact, more than half of US internet users surveyed by coupon and discount website Promocodes.com last November agreed that they avoid such places, while over a quarter of respondents agreed strongly.

When it comes to various return policy options, many consumers look for the same thing. For example, when shopping in-store, 37.9% of those polled said getting a full refund—not just an exchange or store credit—was their most important return-related concern. Almost as many consumers (33.6%) felt the same way with regard to digital shopping.

Chan Patel

The Mid-Hudson region has long been a magnet for visitors from around the nation and the world. Yet it has been common knowledge that the local accommodations infrastructure was not able to keep up with demand, leaving travelers frustrated and the region missing out on a potentially lucrative and important economic development resource. Recognizing both the existing need and the untapped potential, a group of seasoned industry entrepreneurs lead by Chan Patel decided to invest in the development of a state-of-the-art 100-room Holiday Inn Express for the Kingston area.

SBDC Advisor Sam Kandel met with the group and started working on a funding strategy. He contacted the Ulster County Executive’s office and it’s Industrial Development Agency for consideration of the Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) program, which would provide Chan and his group with significant benefits. In addition, Sam arranged for a meeting between client and the local Town of Ulster government authorities to elicit their support, and was instrumental in securing local construction and professional services to advance the completion of the project.

Three years after the initial contact, and with the cooperative assistance of SBDC, the Ulster County Executive, the Town of Ulster authorities, Greater Hudson Bank, Ulster Savings Bank and NYBDC, the Kingston Holiday Inn Express opened in November 2016. The combined investment in equity totaled $11,300,000, which was injected into the local economy while creating 77 jobs for local residents. The hotel provides 100 new rooms to welcome visitors to the Mid-Hudson Valley region of New York State, all thanks to a multi-agency collaborative effort and stakeholder’s teamwork.

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Communication matters. Here are a few ideas to help communicate product ideas effectively:

Describe the problem you’re solving.

Every product should have a reason for existence and a story for why people’s lives will be better after this product comes to the rescue. But before you can talk about the superior future you want to create, you should set the stage by describing the dismal present we currently living in.

Envision the start of an infomercial, where people are stumbling around in black and white, wallowing in tears while cutting onions… because they don’t yet have the Slap Chop!

Describe how many people have this problem.

Now that you’ve broken it down to human terms, the next step is to expand this with market research to show just how large this problem is.

Monday, January 15, 2018

On January 10, the U.S. Department of State unveiled a new-and-improved travel advisory system in an effort to make its rankings more easily understandable to the public.

The new system gives every nation in the world a travel advisory ranking from one to four. Level 4 indicates “do not travel”; Level 3, “reconsider travel”; Level 2, “exercise increased caution”; and Level 1, “exercise normal precautions.”

In addition, an interactive map color-codes countries by their official ranking: red for 4, orange for 3, and yellow for 2. Countries with a level 1 ranking are not color-coded.

“While we will issue an overall travel advisory level for every country, levels of advice might vary for specific locations or areas within a country,” the State Department said in a statement. “For instance, we might advise U.S. citizens to ‘exercise increased caution’ (Level 2) in a country, but to ‘reconsider travel’ (Level 3) to a particular area within the country.”

Friday, January 12, 2018

It’s hard to believe, but before 1994, grocery stores did not sell packaged rotisserie chickens. Boston Market is credited with convincing consumers to pay for one of the easiest meals to make at home, in the early 1990s, and that’s when grocery stores saw an opening, according to a new Wall Street Journal report.

Last year, Americans bought 625 million rotisserie chickens at supermarkets; Costco alone sold 87 million, according to the Journal, 36 million more than they did in 2010.

Today, practically every major publication, from Bon Appetit to Buzzfeed, has published a list of ways to most efficiently transform a grocery store-roasted chicken into several meals. The pre-roasted birds, packaged in plastic or paper and sitting beneath heat lamps at national chains like Kroger and Costco, might be flavored with garlic and lemon or barbecue spices. In addition to the convenience, the smell is a draw, as the Journal points out. It’s enough to get people into the store in the first place, at which point they’ll likely buy other items, making them a loss leader, in industry parlance...

In just about two decades, grocery stores convinced American cooks to depend on a convenience that was once viewed as a simple, quotidian home-cooked meal.

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Ten years on from the global financial crisis, the prospects for a sustained economic recovery remain at risk due to a widespread failure on the part of leaders and policy-makers to put in place reforms necessary to underpin competitiveness and bring about much-needed increases in productivity, according to data from the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2017-2018.

The Global Competitiveness Index 2017-2018 presents a framework and a corresponding set of indicators in three principal categories (subindexes) and twelve policy domains (pillars) for 137 economies.

Drawing on data going back 10 years, the report highlights in particular three areas of greatest concern. These include the financial system, where levels of “soundness” have yet to recover from the shock of 2007 and in some parts of the world are declining further. This is especially of concern given the important role the financial system will need to play in facilitating investment in innovation related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Another key finding is that competitiveness is enhanced, not weakened, by combining degrees of flexibility within the labour force with adequate protection of workers’ rights. With vast numbers of jobs set to be disrupted as a result of automation and robotization, creating conditions that can withstand economic shock and support workers through transition periods will be vital.

GCI data also suggests that the reason innovation often fails to ignite productivity is due to an imbalance between investments in technology and efforts to promote its adoption throughout the wider economy.

Tony Yang

Tony Yang started Gig Computers, Inc. from his dorm room while attending the University at Albany in 1995. Gig provides premium IT consulting service in upstate New York, including computer networking, VOIP phone systems, and data center solutions. He initially applied for a loan with NYBDC, who referred Tony to the LaGuardia SBDC for assistance with the financial projections. Business Advisor Rosa Figueroa prepared the financial projections that helped Tony obtain a $150,000 SBA guarantee loan to purchase equipment and expand the business to NYC. The loan enabled Tony to create four jobs and save six others.

The challenge was to secure a location for Gig Computers at a reasonable price. Rosa suggested NYDesigns, which since the company would be new to NYC, would give them the opportunity to land at an affordable location. Initially, Tony was informed that he would not qualify because he was already in business. Rosa advocated for Tony, arguing that he is new to NYC and would need time to acquaint himself with the business environment.

Ultimately Tony and his business were given a spot at the NYDesigns business incubator and will sign the required lease to expand the business to NYC. In addition to the expansion to NYC, Gig is also expanding in Albany with the purchase of property that will enable the hiring of additional staff within the next six months. “I want to thank the SBDC for all of their assistance in helping me obtaining the loan through the NYBDC,” says Tony, “This will help us sustain our business.”

Tuesday, January 09, 2018

Attorney General Jeff Sessions said he’s rescinding more than two dozen guidance documents including several clarifying the implications of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Among the 25 revoked documents are a number of ADA-related items dating as far back as 1995 offering guidance on everything from service animals to accessible building practices as well as a 2016 letter on employment of people with disabilities...

Disability advocates indicated they are particularly worried about the U.S. Department of Justice’s decision to pull a statement issued under the Obama administration addressing the implications of the ADA’s integration mandate on employment.

“The civil rights of persons with disabilities, including individuals with mental illness, intellectual or developmental disabilities, or physical disabilities, are violated by unnecessary segregation in a wide variety of settings, including in segregated employment, vocational and day programs,” the Obama-era guidance stated...

“We are extremely concerned about the withdrawal of this guidance document, both because it sends the wrong signal to public entities that are seeking to comply with the ADA and because it may reflect a diminished concern with the importance of providing employment services in the most integrated setting...”

Taking away the guidance does not change any of the ADA’s mandates, disability advocates noted. Nonetheless, withdrawing the guidance, which serves as an interpretation of the law, can create uncertainty, they said.

Monday, January 08, 2018

What does it mean to be human (and a marketer) in a world where even the most creative and intuitive endeavors are being turned into automated, optimized, and streamlined processes?

With the onslaught of stories about the launch of new, fantastic pieces of software or technological advancements that'll make life simpler and computers able to make essential data connections, it seems that we're quickly entering a full-blown "Artificial Intelligence Age."

At the root of AI are perception and cognition, which also happen to be two of the fundamental tenets of the marketing industry. It's no surprise, then, that software, algorithms, and AI applications are consistently used to help marketers and make their job of "adaptive persuasion" more effective and efficient.

Far from being a substitute for the creative process, though, data is empowerment. By offering deeper and more comprehensive consumer insights, data fuels curiosity and raises enlightening questions that help creatives cultivate the emotional connections essential to impactful marketing.

Data is, in fact, invigorating, then, and much more relevant and necessary for marketers today than ever before.

Friday, January 05, 2018

Currently, the industrial and commercial labor worlds are facing an unprecedented rate of rapid change. New technologies are becoming old-news almost as soon as they hit the marketplace, social attitudes fluctuate with the share of a Tweet, and government policies struggle to keep up with high tech developments.

All of this adds up to the inability to predict how the workforce will evolve over the course of the next decade. With the future so uncertain, how can companies and individuals continue to maintain relevance?

According to a report compiled by PwC, a global industry-focused service provider and consulting company, keeping up with the unknown realities of tomorrow means reshaping the traditional business conventions of today into flexible practices that can adapt and vacillate with the changing tides. The report’s conclusions are derived from the findings of a research project that began in 2007 and are based on the collected surveys from 10,000 people in the US, the UK, India, Germany, and China.

Using all of this compiled information, the report identifies several “megatrends” that will play a substantial role in molding the future global workforce over the next decade.

Thursday, January 04, 2018

If you’re planning to use your personal savings to launch a new business, you’ll be happy to hear that many of the costs you’ll incur are tax deductible.

Business startup expenses are categorized differently from standard business expenses. Distinguishing between the two depends on when the cost is incurred.

In the eyes of the IRS, you are technically in “startup phase” until you open up your doors for business, or until you start earning income from the business—whichever comes first. Your costs during this period are categorized as startup costs.

Once you have launched or made your first sale, costs are categorized as business expenses.

However, not everything can be claimed as a startup expense during the startup phase.

Michael D'AntoniVersa-Tel T.S., Inc.

Retiring from the U.S. Air Force in 2004 with more than 20 years of honorable service, Technical Sergeant Michael D’Antoni has stated that with his military experience; “there is no telecommunication or fiber optics scenario he can’t handle.” Today, the owner of Versa-Tel T.S. Incorporated, a leader in telecommunications, boasts a successful history for performing installations across Long Island to include Long Island MacArthur Airport, US Armed Forces Command Center in Amityville, NYS INFORM traffic control signal / information systems, Theodore Roosevelt Executive Building in Nassau County, SUNY Stony Brook MART/Tower, SUNY Farmingdale as well as public schools, libraries, and other large-scale data and voice networks all over Long Island. The company designs and installs cutting edge commercial telecommunications systems, specializing in full scope fiber optic network systems for high speed data and voice. Along with Michael, his highly trained certified technicians provide a 25-year warranty on all Versa-Tel projects. Several years ago Michael consulted with the SBDC regarding sources of financing for additional equipment regarding an upcoming $4 million contract with the Long Island Dept. of Transportation for road work. Most recently Advisor Dave Chiaro provided assistance with business expansion, financing, and government contracting helping Michael apply for, and obtain his NYS Service Disabled Veteran Certification. NYS SDVOB certification helped Versa-Tel win a $2.6 million prime contract award from Stony Brook University and a $150k loan through NYBDC. In 2016 Michael was awarded the New York SBDC Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Tuesday, January 02, 2018

My boss made a mistake on a project we were working on and instead of owning his mistake, he said it was my fault. I sat through that meeting feeling shocked and disappointed. Although this happened a couple of years ago. I remember the details quite well.

When we left the meeting he told me, "You are a good sport.” I knew I needed to start planning my exit strategy. I loved my job but I couldn’t trust my boss. He would throw you under the bus in a heartbeat to make himself look good. In spite of how good a job is, once you don’t have a manager that has your back, you will be miserable in that job.

A bad manager can take a good staff and destroy it, causing the best employees to flee and the remainder to lose all motivation.

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About the blog:

The Research Network aims the content of this blog primarily at the New York Small Business Development Center (NY SBDC) community on the kinds of things we encounter every day. Views expressed are those of the Research Network staff, and not necessarily those of the New York SBDC or its partners. Comments to an individual post are encouraged. Such comments will be monitored, so please, keep them clean and professional.

Definition of a small business by the US federal government

Definition of a small business in the state of New York

Consolidated Law for the State of New YorkEconomic Development Law § 131§ 131. Definition of a small business. For the purposes of this chapter, a small business shall be deemed to be one which is resident in this state, independently owned and operated, not dominant in its field and employs one hundred or less persons.

World Reference

The NYS SBDC, administered by the State University of New York, is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.